"Enjoy the little things in life, for one day you may look back and realize they were the big things." *Robert Brault
*Note: Nancy, thanks for pointing out who was the author of this great quote. The place where I read it had it listed as Anonymous, so that just confirms you can't believe everything you see on the internet!! I now have a new favorite author! :)
So, have you recovered from the holidays?
As I reviewed photos I'd originally planned to include in this post I just shook my head over all that occurred in my life from October right up through to the last day of December. I am so glad I took lots of pictures so I can now really take time to reflect on those experiences, because I have to be honest and say, I found that while I was in the middle of "experiencing" those things. . . I didn't always appreciate the times like I should have.
This brings me to the topic of this PINK Saturday's post. . . appreciating the moments of 2012.
More specifically today, I am focusing on the FIRSTS of 2012.
This week was our FIRST church service in 2012.
We are so lucky to have our church just blocks away from our home. . . this is a view of the steeple from one of my walks around our neighborhood.
We almost always eat breakfast out after church and last Sunday was so exception.
This is a picture of one of the food servers who has been working in this particular restaurant over the years we've been going there. The entire staff is amazing and we are fortunate to have them so close to us. I have to say, this fellow knows the names of most of the Sunday patrons and provides outstanding service. . . and humor!
Our FIRST meal with friends in 2012.
Isn't it amazing how we meet people and become friends with them?
We met Rita and Les through our church and the restaurant we go to each Sunday.
The restaurant is usually packed so there's a wait to be seated. Over time, we (us and Les and Rita) realized we attended the same church. . . and, while standing there waiting for our seats, would chat. Later, we started sitting together, and over the years, have come to know each other pretty well. In fact, it was through them that I met another lady who also likes to run. . . and last October the three women, and one of my other friends, participated in a 5K together!
Left to Right: Mary, Rita, Mary and me, Dana (note my PINK hat!! :)
The Grand Girl lost her FIRST tooth in 2012.
We got the excited phone call from her while we were eating breakfast with our friends!!
The Tooth Fairy brought her 98 cents! :)
My FIRST home cooked meal of 2012!
Like so many of you, I cooked a batch of black eyed peas on Sunday!! This was taken as I had finished putting everything in the slow cooker. I have to say, they turned out great! We had them that night and again the following evening. Sure hope that "good luck" thing works! :)
The FIRST breakfast with my Breakfast Group in 2012.
OK, I'm beginning to see a theme here. . . lots of eating going on in the New Year!! :)
Actually, only three of the six of us in the Breakfast Group could make it last Monday. It was really nice to get together and be relaxed (after the holidays) and catch up on our Christmases and special events...like the recent birth of our Grand Boy #2 :)
The FIRST movie of 2012.
Bonnie and I saw The Descendants this week. We both really liked it, but I'm hearing that others weren't as crazy about it as we were.
I have to say, George Clooney was at his acting best in this show. . . and even if it had been a stinker of a movie. . .well it was worth every penney of the Senior Discounted ticket price just to look at him for nearly 2 hours! :)
The FIRST opening of presents in 2012!
Bonnie and I had our post-Christmas gift exchange and get-together!! She is so creative. This year her theme was The Twelve Days of Christmas. . . she gave me twelve gifts. . .each sporting a cute tag she made using her CRICUT machine!! (My CRICUT machine hasn't seen too much action, but I vow I will use it more this year.)
The FIRST exercise class of 2012.
OMG....that was Wednesday night. I felt it yesterday. . .and even today. I wasn't a consistent exerciser at the end of 2011. I do admit, it was great getting back to my class and my challenging instructor!!
The FIRST trash day of 2012.
After watching the container set all day (yesterday), I realized they were running on a delayed schedule cuz Monday was really the holiday. Anyway, they just came this morning.
We have such a good company. . . they arrive each week like clockwork .
The FIRST grand dog walk/run/drag through the neighborhood in the 2012!!
Note that sweet PINK leash and collar!! She gets so excited when she sees me getting my tennis shoes on. That little nubbin of a tail just wiggles and wiggles! Then.......we're off. She is FAST. . .so that helps me with my exercise goals! :)
The FIRST run/walk for ME in 2012!!!
I tried to take an "action" shot of me jogging, but that wasn't working, so you just got my goofy looking shadow!!
It was such a gorgeous day in our part of Missouri yesterday! Mid-sixties.....in January!!!!
It felt great to be back outdoors and jogging. Since I had the ham string injury, I've backed off and let it heal. It didn't twinge a bit yesterday, but I didn't fully run the entire time either. I started back on Week 4 of the Couch to 5K Running Plan where you run for 3 min., walk for 1 1/2 min., run for 5 min., walk for 2 1/2 min.....and repeat.
I have to slowly condition my body to running again. . . not only my ham string, but my heart, lungs.....everything.
On my list of goals for 2012 I hope to build back to totally running a 5K distance, then to improve my time to less than 31 minutes, then I hope to run a 10K before the year is over. The 10K was a goal for 2011, then I had the injury, so that didn't happen.
The FIRST picture of THE STONE RABBIT and little Twiggy of 2012!
They have really loved playing with the "Twelve Days of Christmas" tags that Bonnie made for me! They like to shuffle them around and take turns putting them in numerical order. . . or one will close their eyes, while the other removes a tag, then the one with their eyes closed has to figure out which one is missing! They play so well together . . .and they are so danged smart !!!
The FIRST Pink Saturday of 2012!
I look forward to participating in this weekly event, just like so many others!!!
Thank you, Beverly, for keeping our event up and running every week for over 3 1/2 years!!!
Please visit her blog, HOW SWEET THE SOUND, for a long list of fellow bloggers who have linked up to share their PINKS this week!!
Happy Pink Saturday and Happy 2012, everyone!!
DANA
And I'm your FIRST commenter! Hope your hamstring injury is healing. My knee is "out" and I am just hobbling when I have to get up and do something. I have steep stairs in my house but yesterday at an estate sale I climbed the steepest curvy stairs and that was icing on the cake of my already wonky knee. Today I was up at five to go to a sale and hobbled around and now I can barely walk. See why I'm so impressed with your running self???
Sweet little Twiggy is cuddled up to the SR - good thing he doesn't jump on her 'cause he looks really solid! 98cents? You can tell that the Tooth Fairy is not a grandparent. haha
Have fun with the kiddos. Couldn't you just cuddle your new little A for hours. I just love newborns! xoxo Nancy
Posted by: Nancy | January 06, 2012 at 10:50 AM
I enjoyed seeing these firsts Dana!
Yes yes yes...we are enjoying this glorious weather. Makes me wonder what happens next!
Happy Pink Saturday and Happy Weekend!
Posted by: Pat@BPM | January 06, 2012 at 11:44 AM
well I would say they were some pretty good firsts. I have a heel injury, last year musta been the year of feet :))
Happy ps
Posted by: Francie Thornton | January 06, 2012 at 12:20 PM
PS - Dana - your quote is by Robert Brault - it's my favorite quote. I just put it in my Circle Journal!
Posted by: Nancy | January 06, 2012 at 12:46 PM
Well, gotta say I love the quote that started your post! great one!
Posted by: kim | January 06, 2012 at 04:34 PM
Very neat post, I love all the firsts!!! Its always so wonderful to start out the new year going to church. Your steeple is really pretty. I cannot believe this weather either, Kansas is never this warm in January!!! Happy Pink Sat.
Posted by: Ann | January 06, 2012 at 04:42 PM
Hi Dana, I cam over to say hello and we both have 6 comments. Maybe that's a 2012 first too. HA! I love all of your firsts. A fun idea for the first Pink Saturday of 2012. First I want to thank you for your sweet comment. I love your comments always. It is true about my parents. They were married 47 happy years when my mom passed away. We are blessed to have grown up surrounded by love and a happy home.
Our weather was in the 60's today as well. It is hard to believe this mild weather so far this winter. Just a few days of cold so far. Nice for you to get some running going again. Your running mate is a real cutie. A cute shot of Twiggy and the Stone Rabbit too.
I know you had fun with Bonnie's 12 Days of Christmas gifts. I'm thinking I might do that next year for Bill. He would get a big kick out of this fun idea.
Your church steeple photo is gorgeous.
We also go out to lunch on Sundays after Church. It is a special time with friends. Then we usually go bowling with another group of friends on Sunday afternoon. My sisters are feeling a bit left out but really Dana, they just do not lead an active life. Sitting at home in front of the TV is not for us. We have discovered a TV show that is very funny. The big Bang Theory. Great writing for a change.
I love your quote as well. I did not know who wrote that quote either. It hits the nail on the head.
Happy weekend Dana. Rest and enjoy the slower pace of 'after the holidays.' I sure am.
Love, Jeanne
Posted by: jeanne | January 06, 2012 at 09:00 PM
Oh my goodness the weather is amazing! I took the kids to the park! Love all of your firsts for the New Year!
Big hugs,
Olivia
Posted by: Olivia Parazine | January 07, 2012 at 03:10 AM
What a great Theme for the New Year! I enjoyed everyone of your First's for 2012, and I'm with you on enjoying every person, place and thing as it happens. Fantastic First Pink Saturday Post!
Posted by: Sue | January 07, 2012 at 05:06 AM
So pretty!
My Pink. Please join my Color Connection meme too if you have time. Thanks!
Posted by: Ms. Burrito | January 07, 2012 at 07:21 AM
What a great idea..thx for sharing
Posted by: Melody | January 07, 2012 at 08:02 AM
Happy New Year Dana!
I love your post~~fun to peek into your world and see snippets of time :)
Your granddaughter smile~~priceless!
Happy PS sweet Dana
hugs,
Kay
Posted by: Kay Ellen | January 07, 2012 at 10:04 PM
I remember when my Sundays started off with a foot race followed by a beer at the finish line. It seemed like an odd and early hour to have a beer - but boy oh boy, did it taste good!
Posted by: Pat | January 08, 2012 at 11:52 AM
Wish I was the "first" to wish you a Happy Pink Saturday but as usual I am running late...so I'll be the 13th. :) Loved this post Dana!
Posted by: Lynn @thevintagenest | January 08, 2012 at 11:57 AM
Hmmm.. Let me also share some of my firsts this 2012. First, I bought two books by Haruki Murakami. The first movie I've watched in DVD is One Day. I think you should watch it. Hehehhe.. I love the Stone Rabbit and Twiggy. They look good together. :-) And of course, your cute little girl was smiling even though you didn't show her face.
Posted by: Loretta John | January 13, 2012 at 05:46 AM
What a wonderful quote from Robert Brault. You sure had it packed for the first week of 2012. Congratulations to Grand Girl's 98 cents. Hehehe.
Posted by: Jenna Schrock | February 20, 2012 at 07:32 AM